National Maritime Museum
The key objectives of the Neptune Court project were to resolve the Museum’s orientation, display and circulation problems. Covering a previously under exploited courtyard with Europe’s largest free-span glazed roof creates a new central ‘square’, unifying the layout, and producing clear and legible routes throughout the museum. The podium level of the square creates streets along the base of the courtyard façades. Stairs against the podium link the ‘streets’ with the new square. Within the surrounding building, ten new galleries were created and all levels are now fully accessible.Client
National Maritime Museum
Location
Greenwich, London
Size
7,700m²
Value
£20m
Date
1999
Bridges link to the surrounding galleries and new stairs and lifts at the corners link the different levels of galleries together, allowing the visitor to move continuously throughout the space.
The project removed courtyard additions to Sir Philip Hardwick’s original scheme and reveals, refurbishes, and restores the grandeur of the original Neo-classical facades, based on original record drawings held by the museum.
The existing triumphal arch of the north facade is retained but transformed into a new main entrance. Internally it has been expanded to provide a new galleries, shop and reception areas, and making a new facade that overlooks the podium, with a new glass lift alongside giving views over the courtyard.
Gavin Miller Project Architect for Rick Mather Architects
